Woodlawn Cemetery, once neglected, now a beautiful resting place

By: 
Lorna Marquardt
Columnist

Did you know there are over 100 cemeteries in Shawano County? There is a website that lists the cemeteries, along with a map showing where they are located.

Researching the history of cemeteries, I learned that, in the late 1800s, the Shawano Cemetery, as it was known then, was very neglected. It was filled with weeds and it was difficult to get to the graves.

In 1898, a group of women met at the home of Mrs. H. Nabor to discuss how they could improve and beautify the cemetery. The ladies organized the Shawano Cemetery Improvement Society on July 6, 1898.

The ladies walked up muddy Green Bay Street, to the cemetery, shovels and rakes in hand, to clean up the weeds and the mess made by loose cattle and horses.

The society gathered up enough money to purchase a lawn mower in 1899. The ladies grew flowers at home, and when they were sturdy, they planted them by the graves.

In 1908, the first caretaker was hired. A vote was taken to officially name the cemetery Woodlawn Cemetery.

In 1910, the cost of a cemetery lot was $50. In 1910, the association, now incorporated, purchased markers for pauper’s graves. They sought a grant to fix soldier’s graves.

In 1918, the association asked the city to build a chapel in memory of the soldiers and sailors. A memorial circle was designed as a tribute to them. I am sure those of you who are familiar with the cemetery have seen the white headstones to the west of the circle. Twenty lots were reserved for World War I veterans.

Woodlawn Cemetery is also the final resting place for many who served in the Civil War. There are over 900 veterans buried in the cemetery.

Old cemetery records tell us the first person buried in the cemetery was a veteran. However, he did not lose his life at war. His name was George S. Miller. He was home on furlough, and fell from a grain wagon, causing his death.

Finally, in 1924, the Shawano City Council agreed to build a chapel at the cemetery. It was a slow and tedious process. The cornerstone, containing a time capsule, was laid on May 18, 1937.

On July 6, 1941, the lovely stone building was dedicated as “The Little Church in the Pinewood.” There is a simple altar in the church where babies were baptized, happy couples were married, and last rites were given. The non-denominational church is on the Wisconsin Historical Society register.

A portion of the west side of the cemetery, added in 1932, was turned over to the Catholic Cemetery Association.

In 1987, the conveyance of the cemetery property and all the trust funds from the trustees of the Woodlawn Shawano Cemetery Association to the City of Shawano were recorded.

In 1995, the chapel was given a much-needed facelift. The roof was repaired, new carpeting was installed and a fresh coat of paint was applied. The original Schulmerich Carillon, placed in the chapel in 1968, was updated to digital. The update was made possible from the Helen Wegenke memorial funds.

The lovely bell chime songs can be heard ringing through the trees as they bring comfort and peace to those visiting the cemetery. Although I have heard them often, they always cause me to stop and reflect. How fortunate we are to have this beautiful chapel nestled among the grave sites and trees.

Although there have not been any special occasions held in the chapel for a few years, it is available to the general public at no charge, but a refundable deposit will be requested.

The most recent project at Woodlawn was the Veteran’s Memorial. It included two monuments, eight new flag poles, five benches and landscaping. The project was funded by donations from several military organizations and private individuals. The single largest contributor was the Shawano AmVets.

The Woodlawn Cemetery is maintained by Shawano Park and Recreation Department. Patti Pingel is the primary custodian. She is a dedicated and conscientious employee, who can be seen braving the elements as she mows, weeds and cares for the grave sites.

Although Woodlawn Cemetery is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained cemeteries in the area, unfortunately there are always those who either don’t know the rules or don’t choose to follow them.

Picking flowers, driving over lots or graves, disrespecting grave sites or bringing animals into the cemetery grounds are prohibited. The cemetery clean-up periods are between Oct. 1 and Nov. 15 and between April 1 and May 1. Decorations and containers that remain following the clean-up periods are considered abandoned and will be removed.

The cemetery is open daily one-half hour before sunrise and until one-half hour after sunset.

Question: In what year was the St. James Christian Day School opened, and who opened it?